Jhulan Goswami is the highest wicket-taker in ODIs among women.© AFP
Legendary Indian pacesetter Jhulan Goswami put the curtain on a glorious international career at the iconic Lord’s on Saturday, as India defeated England in the third ODI to win the series 3-0. Goswami, who was bowling her final in international cricket, gave England’s Kate Cross a beautiful pitch that clattered into the stumps. It was her 255th ODI wicket and 355th all-format for India. As she played in some of India Women’s most historic matches, it was only fitting that she played a key role in completing their first-ever ODI series sweep in England.
Her last spell was 2/30 in 10 overs and that combined with her 1/20 in the first ODI meant she gave fans a great reminder of what she has done in her last few games during her career.
It is also poetic that she concludes her international career with an ODI, a format in which she is the leading wicket taker among women.
Jhulan made her debut all the way back in January 2002 in an ODI against England in Chennai, when she also took two wickets.
Her Test debut came later that month, also against England. Her first T20I also came up against the same opponents, albeit four years later.
Goswami played in two World Cup finals – in 2005 and 2017. Her delivery to sack Australian skipper Meg Lanning in the 2017 World Cup semi-finals will remain an etched in history.
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The 39-year-old is walking away from international cricket after playing 204 ODIs, 12 Tests and 68 T20Is.
The fact that her retirement comes within months of another strong Indian, Mithali Raj, steps out of the game means an era for Indian cricket is coming to an end.
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